A long Covid rehabilitation service that has been supporting patients in the West Country since 2020 is at risk of closure due to a significant decline in referrals. The Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW) established the service in May 2020, and by August 2022, over 2,000 individuals had sought support through it. However, patient numbers have sharply decreased since then.
A report presented to the Bath and North East Somerset Scrutiny Panel on March 9 highlighted the changing demand: “Long Covid services in BSW no longer represent a good use of limited resources or value for money. The need for long Covid care has fallen considerably, with just over 200 patients per year across BSW now referred for support.”
In response, BSW is considering closing the dedicated long Covid service and integrating care into existing healthcare pathways. Yet, councillors on the scrutiny committee expressed concerns about this plan. Dr. Bharat Pankhania, an infectious diseases expert and councillor for Combe Down (Liberal Democrat), cautioned, “We are still in unknown territory, so it is vital to maintain our surveillance.”
Dr. Pankhania emphasized the importance of monitoring emerging symptoms and disabilities linked to ongoing and repeated Covid infections. “This places a significant demand on NHS resources, but ignoring it because of that would be unwise. Continuous vigilance is essential to understand developments.”
David Harding (Chew Valley, Liberal Democrat) echoed these concerns, noting, “We don’t have a clear picture of long Covid incidence. Disability claims have been increasing, potentially reflecting long Covid or other lasting effects from Covid over the past several years.”
He also questioned whether everyone affected is aware of the BSW long Covid service. Eleanor Jackson (Westfield, Labour), speaking from personal experience as someone who has had long Covid, suggested the potential value of establishing a specialized GP service for Covid sufferers, akin to dedicated services for veterans.
BSW has committed to returning to the committee with further information. The integrated care board is also consulting with health scrutiny committees at Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council regarding the plan to end the standalone service. Alternative options to closure remain under consideration.
Following briefings, BSW plans to conduct targeted engagement with current service users, analyze feedback, and update scrutiny committees on any changes to the proposal. These updates will be communicated publicly, with any changes expected to take effect by the second quarter of 2026/27.
Long Covid symptoms commonly include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, memory and concentration difficulties, joint pain, and muscle aches. There is currently no cure, and ongoing research continues to unravel this complex condition.